Government Frames
Legitimation and repression are viewed as two sides of the same coin. An increase in legitimation reduces the need for repression and vice versa. Framing is a method in which matters are presented, and is representative of the underlying narratives and the solutions offered. Some of the short- term framing methods are condemning protesters for inciting disorder, falling for foreign manipulation, and not trusting the legitimation of the regime. The long-term frames for justification are painting the protesters as a threat to national security, legality, security, and public order.
Propaganda
Propaganda is biased information spread by the government used to fuel government causes or promote the popularity of the ruling political party. Propaganda by strong governments can suppress dissents by using its messages rooted in ideology and political courses even though the public may not be content with the government. Strong governments are less likely to experience dissents due to the belief of the government's strength in maintaining political order and regime stability. Strong governments use propaganda to display their power, capacity, and resources.
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The Cycle of Dissent and Repression
The cycle of dissent and repression begins when a new government is elected. With its newly acquired power, it tries to monopolize power and rule in a particular manner. It results in protesters marching in large numbers to the streets to oppose the government's authority. Secondly, the country descends into chaos, and the military is forced to remove the sitting government in a coup. During this process, protesters and innocent civilians are killed in large numbers with various justification claims such as terrorism, violence against the state and public, etc. Finally, a new regime gets elected with the approval of a western audience, or an army commander ceases power declaring himself the new president.
When Repression of Dissent Begins and What The Government Does to Justify Repression
Repression of dissent begins when a new government starts to monopolize power and spread propaganda when the government is still weak and sometimes fresh. A government justifies repression by creating a narrative around terms such as security, order, and terrorism. It immediately happens after many protesters have begun marching in the streets to reject the government's policies and power-grabbing tendencies. During the peaceful protests, the government's police and armies justify using brutal force on the protesters claiming that they are a threat to the well-being of a nation. Also, the government's justification for repressions should be scrutinized to avoid the deaths of innocent civilians. Harsh repression leads to radicalization resulting in the creation of extreme groups.
Dissenters Adjusting To Propaganda/Repression and It Works/Fails
Dissenters recognize the strength of the propaganda and identify a strong government; they know not to rebel (revolution) against the regime. But on the off chance that the propaganda message is weak, dissents can challenge the rule. Hence propaganda works if the government is strong, the dissenters will adjust to avoid repression and fails if the propaganda message is weak. Furthermore, having this information keeps political order by having the government also enforce the greatness and glory of the party-state.
